Controversial Trade Union Bill passes third reading in the House of Commons

I am a reporter at City A.M. looking at the stories, people and data behind political events from the UK, Europe and further afield. I also write about infrastructure and transport, as well as broader issues around global business.

Follow James

James Nickerson

Shadow business secretary Angela Eagle is strongly opposed to the bill (Source: Getty)

The government’s controversial Trade Union Bill was met with strong opposition, but ultimately passed the House of Commons in the third reading.

Parliament voted 305 in favour, with 271 against, giving a majority of 34.

Under the existing rules, if 100 members are balloted and only five vote and three vote yes and two vote no, there is a valid mandate for strike action.

Under the new rules, if 100 members are balloted then at least 50 must vote, of which 26 must have voted yes and a smaller number voted no, for there to be a valid mandate.

Business secretary Sajid Javid has insisted the bill would help prevent "endless" threats of industrial action, saying the proposed changes would "ensure working people's lives aren't unfairly disrupted".

The bill will now be passed on to the House of Lords for consideration.